WASHINGTON – It’s a whole new year, and with some slight roster shifts the Redskins face a whole new opportunity this season.
The question on every Washington fan’s mind: Will RGIII make a difference to the team’s performance?
“I don’t know if the expectations are outrageous,” team GM Bruce Allen tells WTOP. “Most people expect we’re going to come in last place.”
Still, the vigor of the new quarterback who led his Baylor Bears to tie their record 10 wins in 2011 can’t help but reshape the ‘Skins.
“He expects to do great, and that’s our goal,” says Allen. “He’s been here every day working. On the day off he comes in first thing in the morning. He wants to be a good player and we’re excited to have him.”
Washington faces a “hornets’ nest” in its first regular-season game this Sunday at 1 p.m. at New Orleans. The Saints made headlines last year for a bounty system instituted by coaches, and will be eager to overcome the negative attention.
“That team is very fired up,” Allen says. “They’re mad at the commissioner, they’re mad at the world.”
So how do you think the Redskins are going to fare this season? Check out the results of our annual newsroom poll, and send us your predictions. Use WTOPTalkBack on Twitter, or post to our Facebook page.
Max Smith, reporter: 5-11
Skins could go anywhere from 4-12 to 7-9, but I’m predicting 5-11 with the rookie QB, and the team coming off a rough year.
George Wallace, Redskins beat reporter: 7-9
If there ever is a good 7-9, this will be it. You will see improvement each week with Robert Griffin III at QB, the defense will keep this team in a number of games and might even win a couple for them. There are still holes in this roster and will take another year or two to reach the playoffs. If we see improvement each week, then it will be a successful season. If they get to 8 wins, it would be a huge success.
Nick Pisano, assistant editor: 6-10
Tough-ish schedule, tough division. Better than last year, but not by much. Wouldn’t be TOO surprised to see 7-9, but not really feeling it. Also, go Giants!
David Burd, reporter: 9-7
Mitchell Miller, assistant news director: 6-10
It’s good RGIII is one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history. He’ll need every bit of that speed, running the offense behind an O-line that was battered before the season even began. Defense keeps getting better; unfortunately the record doesn’t. 6-10.
Megan O’Rourke, traffic reporter: 6-10
The skins will be lousy as always. 6-10
Dimitri Sotis, anchor: 5-11
I love the Skins, and every year I allow that love to get in the way of rational thinking
